2023 News Listing
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law unveiled two new, inclusive, on-campus spaces for students—the Parents’ Nook and the Inclusion and Equity Lounge—at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 16, 2023 in an effort to further promote an inclusive campus as part of the school’s commitment to diversity and student-centered services.
Professor Cara Cunningham Warren is the 2023 recipient of the James T. Barnes Sr. Memorial Faculty Scholar Award. Each year, a full-time faculty member is chosen to receive this award based on scholarship, teaching excellence, and public service.
Sister Colleen Hickey passed away on October 2 at the age of 88. She dedicated her life to her faith and her community. She undoubtedly had a positive impact on anyone who passed through Detroit Mercy Law during her service.
Rita Samir Soka '22 hosted a private fundraiser at her home in support of the Detroit Mercy Law Power of One program on September 14. The program helps graduates pass the bar exam on their first attempt by providing key preparation benchmarks and financial support. With over 100 graduates sitting for a U.S. bar exam each year, the program requires significant annual funding.
Detroit Mercy will host the 18th annual Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit Conference on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 12-13. The theme of this year’s conference is “Revolution from the Heart of Nature: Take Action in Detroit.”
Detroit Mercy was ranked No. 52 nationally and second in Michigan, according to results released Sept. 6 by WSJ/College Pulse. UDM was the third-highest ranked Jesuit university and only Mercy institution ranked.
Each year, Detroit Mercy Law conducts an anonymous demographic survey at the 1L orientation to learn more about the entering class and how students self-identify. This year’s 95 percent response rate provided comprehensive additional information about the wide range of backgrounds represented in the class.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law welcomed 14 Fellows and Scholars to the incoming class of 2023.
Each year, Detroit Mercy honors an alumnus from each of its seven schools or colleges for the way they have excelled in their professions and demonstrated leadership and service to the larger community.
When Janson Fu isn’t handling all the responsibilities that come with being a law student, he has his eyes on the stars. His hobby of astrophotography involves photographing the night sky and celestial events.
As many of you know, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action on June 29, 2023, will have a significant impact on institutions of higher education throughout our country. We pray for all of our friends and member institutions who will experience an array of challenges due to this decision, but most importantly for all students who will be directly affected by the court’s actions.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law awarded Voice for Justice Fellowships to Tiffany Harvey and Danna Houssain in support of their service as legal interns this summer at nonprofit organizations that help advance access to justice.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law’s traveling expungement clinic served nearly 200 people across the state of Michigan in Saginaw, Sault Ste. Marie, and Marquette from May 15-19. The traveling expungement clinic included seven students and three professors, including one alumna judge.
An all-female team of Detroit Mercy Law students won third place in the National Patent Application Drafting Competition.
More than 1,000 graduates participated in four ceremonies during 2023 Commencement at University of Detroit Mercy on Friday and Saturday, May 12-13.
The Vivere ex Missione awards are presented annually to four graduating students whose time at University of Detroit Mercy was marked by leadership, service and scholarship.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law’s 2022 graduates achieved a 90% employment rate in legal and professional positions. Graduates secured employment in a variety of settings, including positions with law firms, courts, and government, business, and public interest organizations across the US and Canada.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law graduate Emily Elmer ’23 was awarded the 2023 Vivere Ex Missione Award. Each year, Detroit Mercy presents the Vivere Ex Missione-- “To Live Out the Mission”--award to four graduating students, including one from the School of Law. This award is presented as a surprise at the commencement ceremony.
Even after rising to a vice president position in the financial world, Matthew Snyder’s childhood dream of attending law school tugged at his heart. After a detour of nearly a decade, Snyder is ready to take on the legal world.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Black Law Students Association (BLSA) surprised Dean Jelani Jefferson Exum with a portrait they commissioned in her honor on May 8. Dean Jefferson Exum had been told that BLSA was hosting an end of year celebration which was in actuality a portrait unveiling for her.
For the fourth consecutive year, Detroit Mercy's graduate programs have ranked among the nation’s best.
An all-woman team of Detroit Mercy Law students placed third in the 2023 National Patent Application Drafting Competition hosted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) after winning the regional competition. Across the nation, 55 teams competed in regional rounds for an invitation to advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C. to present in front of a board of USPTO patent examiners.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law invites community participation in the third and final installment, Women in Music Law, of the Women in Arts and Entertainment Law series on Thursday, April 20 from 4.30 to 6.30pm (ET) via Zoom. This series is being hosted in partnership with University of Windsor Faculty of Law and the City of Detroit.
Beginning in the fall of 2023, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will transition to criterion referenced assessment and introduce a new first-year required skills-based course. The faculty approved these changes after extensive research, discussion, and committee work. The program of legal education will remain rigorous and in compliance with American Bar Association standards.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law invites community participation in the second installment, Women in Film Law, of the Women in Arts and Entertainment Law series on Wednesday, March 22 from 6 to 8 pm (ET) via Zoom. This series is being hosted in partnership with University of Windsor Faculty of Law and the City of Detroit.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law students won the Midwestern Regional Round of the National Patent Application Drafting Competition hosted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The competition introduces students to issues arising in U.S. patent law and develops their patent application drafting, amending, and prosecution skills.
When she was sworn in as Michigan Supreme Court justice on Jan. 1, Kyra Harris Bolden ’14 made history. The University of Detroit Mercy Law alumna is the first Black woman to serve on the state’s highest court.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law invites community participation in their upcoming virtual cross-border series, Women in Arts and Entertainment Law, offered in partnership with University of Windsor Faculty of Law and the City of Detroit. Members of the public, creatives, and legal professionals interested in the legal issues facing women in the fashion, music, film, and visual arts industries are encouraged to attend.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law graduates achieved a first-time pass rate and overall pass rate on the July 2022 Michigan Bar Exam that far surpasses state averages.